Small Talk Japan

By Small Talk JapanSociety & Culture Places & Travel

Small Talk Japan episodes

July 30, 2023 How Mixed Kids are Treated in Japanese Schools | STJ 207
This week, Natsuki and Mitch talk about Japan's deadly heat stroke problem, bullying in Japanese schools, Japan's Bigmotor scandal, and more!
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Articles from this week's episode
熱中症疑いで搬送された山形の女子中学生が死亡…部活動後の帰宅途中に路上で倒れる : 読売新聞 https://www.yomiuri.co.jp/national/20230729-OYT1T50294/
'Foreigners are disgusting': Osaka school rapped over response to student's bullying - The Mainichi https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20230727/p2a/00m/0na/004000c
Foreign residents in Japan near 3m as citizen population takes record drop - Nikkei Asia https://asia.nikkei.com/Spotlight/Society/Foreign-residents-in-Japan-near-3m-as-citizen-population-takes-record-drop
How the deteriorating Twitter experience affects its prized Japan market - The Japan Times https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2023/07/16/business/twitter-turbulence-japan-market/
Japan city assemblyman proposes kids be allowed to bring sports drinks to school - The Mainichi https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20230725/p2a/00m/0na/020000c
Table Tennis Star Fukuhara Urged by Ex-Husband to Return Son | Nippon.com https://www.nippon.com/en/news/yjj2023072701231/
Man deemed eligible for workplace compensation after outing by boss https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2023/07/a606397f45d9-man-deemed-eligible-for-workplace-compensation-after-outing-by-boss.html
Reddit - Dive into anything https://www.reddit.com/r/japannews/comments/15boq15/a_man_got_dragged_to_police_station_in_kabukich%C5%8D/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=ios_app&utm_name=ioscss&utm_content=1&utm_term=1
Bigmotor chief to resign in wake of repair fraud scandal - The Japan Times https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2023/07/25/business/corporate-business/bigmotor-chief-resign-repair-scandal
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53 min
July 22, 2023 Foreigners FINED for Smoking in Japan | STJ 206
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Articles from this week's episode:
Nintendo's Famicom game console marks 40th anniversary | The Japan Times https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2023/07/15/business/tech/nintendo-nes-famicom-40th-anniversary/
Reveler fatally crushed by 1-ton float at Hakata Gion festival | The Asahi Shimbun: Breaking News, Japan News and Analysis https://www.asahi.com/ajw/articles/14957780
Fukushima Pref. idol group with members aged 17-59 debuts in bid to connect generations - The Mainichi https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20230713/p2a/00m/0et/023000c
Cesium 180 times limit found in fish at Fukushima nuke plant 12 years after disaster - The Mainichi https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20230718/p2a/00m/0na/019000c
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HHAD9rMvr8g
Foreign tourists in a haze as Japan lacks info on smoking areas, fining system - The Mainichi https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20230718/p2a/00m/0na/016000c
Japan crime rises in first half of 2023 as COVID restrictions ease https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2023/07/008fde54a574-japan-crime-rises-in-1st-half-of-2023-as-covid-restrictions-ease.html
Disabled author wins prestigious Japanese literary award in first https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2023/07/26a318651087-disabled-author-wins-prestigious-japanese-literary-award-in-1st.html
Haneda airport Terminal 2 reopens to int'l flights after 3-yr hiatus https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2023/07/3cd92dc4ff4e-haneda-airport-terminal-2-reopens-to-intl-flights-after-3-yr-hiatus.html
"Faces" of Japan's shinkansen still mostly work of skilled craftsmen https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2023/07/868873a4bbf0-faces-of-japans-shinkansen-still-mostly-work-of-skilled-craftsmen.html
Over 100 Pokemon trading cards stolen from a store in Shizuoka https://goemon-jp.com/vi/news/over-100-pokemon-trading-cards-stolen-from-a-store-in-shizuoka-g4rXq3FcxQrLfKaf19PnS7?language=en
Was Ghibli right not to market Hayao Miyazaki’s new anime? Opening box office data is in | SoraNews24 -Japan News- https://soranews24.com/2023/07/19/was-ghibli-right-not-to-market-hayao-miyazakis-new-anime-opening-box-office-data-is-in/
Ghibli Park announces opening dates for new areas | SoraNews24 -Japan News- https://soranews24.com/2023/07/21/ghibli-park-announces-opening-dates-for-new-areas

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1 hr 2 min
July 14, 2023 Japan's Summer is Too Hot to Handle | STJ 205
Stolen Pokemon cards mishandled by police, a World Heritage temple vandalized by a foreign teen, a woman whose citizenship was suddenly revoked in Japan, and more! Mitch and Ricky talk about the top news in Japan!
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Articles from this week's episodeWorld Heritage temple in Nara vandalized by visiting foreign teen https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2023/07/ee43474563b6-world-heritage-temple-in-nara-vandalized-by-visiting-foreign-teen.html'You're living in Japan illegally': Woman shocked at sudden loss of Japanese nationality - The Mainichi https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20230706/p2a/00m/0na/044000c(UPDATE 1) Heatstroke Alerts Issued in Tokyo, 8 Other Prefectures in Japan - The Japan News https://japannews.yomiuri.co.jp/society/general-news/20230710-121748/Osaka Police Wrongly Arrest Man in Revenge Porn Case - The Japan News https://japannews.yomiuri.co.jp/society/crime-courts/20230711-122059/U.N. human rights group to probe Johnny's agency sex abuse scandal https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2023/07/8777f484f99c-un-human-rights-group-to-probe-johnnys-agency-sex-abuse-scandal.htmlTeen's scientific passion leads to debunking theory on famed 'black eggs' in Hakone - The Mainichi https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20230707/p2g/00m/0sc/052000cIn Japan, plenty of inheritances, but no one to claim them | The Japan Times https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2023/07/10/national/inheritance-abandoned-houses/Japan top court rules against restroom use limit for trans gov't worker https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2023/07/bc2fae4a9f44-update1-japan-top-court-rules-against-toilet-use-limit-for-trans-govt-worker.htmlExplosion Occurs During Rocket Combustion Experiment at JAXA Facility in Akita Prefecture - The Japan News https://japannews.yomiuri.co.jp/society/general-news/20230714-122670Japanese TV personality Ryuchell found dead | NHK WORLD-JAPAN News https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20230713_33/Japanese police face criticism for improper handling of stolen Pokémon and Yu-Gi-Oh cards【Video】 | SoraNews24 -Japan News- https://soranews24.com/2023/07/14/japanese-police-face-criticism-for-improper-handling-of-stolen-pokemon-and-yu-gi-oh-cards%e3%80%90video%e3%80%91/Japanese convenience store Lawson unveils a new type of egg sandwich | SoraNews24 -Japan News- https://soranews24.com/2023/07/13/japanese-convenience-store-lawson-unveils-a-new-type-of-egg-sandwich/Surprise! Terrifying new retro Godzilla movie, Godzilla -1.0, coming to Japan and U.S. this year【Video】 | SoraNews24 -Japan News- https://soranews24.com/2023/07/12/surprise-terrifying-new-retro-godzilla-movie-godzilla-1-0-coming-to-japan-and-u-s-this-year%e3%80%90video%e3%80%91
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1 hr 9 min
July 07, 2023 Post War TV About Japan Was Unbelievable | STJ 204
This week, Mitch and Natsuki talk about a disturbing American TV show following the life of a man who lived through the Hiroshima nuclear bomb, a new One Piece restaurant opening in Japan, why Pokemon cards are the target of theft in Japan, and more!
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Articles from this week's episode
Kiyoshi Tanimoto - This is your life https://youtu.be/KPFXa2vTErc
Headless body found at Sapporo hotel, person seen with victim sought https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2023/07/dc3630ce0720-headless-body-found-at-sapporo-hotel-person-seen-with-victim-sought.html
No. of Japan households with kids falls below 10 mil. for 1st time https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2023/07/e2ed807c0bf2-no-of-japan-households-with-kids-falls-below-10-mil-for-1st-time.html
Tokyo man 'married' to virtual singer Hatsune Miku fights for acceptance of 'fictosexuals' - The Mainichi https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20230701/p2a/00m/0na/018000c
No license needed for electric scooters, now same as bicycles | The Asahi Shimbun: Breaking News, Japan News and Analysis https://www.asahi.com/ajw/articles/14946626
IAEA assures safety of water release from Fukushima disaster site https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2023/07/e0c0fa7e9fb0-iaea-to-present-report-on-release-of-treated-water-from-fukushima.html
Fender opens world-first flagship guitar store in Tokyo https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2023/06/903231a8def6-fender-opens-world-first-flagship-guitar-store-in-tokyo.html
Pro-Russian hackers target Japan's top port handling Toyota trade https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2023/07/3ec31b352357-japans-biggest-port-hit-by-suspected-cyberattack-operations-halted.html
2 Nigerian boxers KO'd in 1st round at Sapporo event were amateurs: commission - The Mainichi https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20230701/p2a/00m/0sp/011000c
Italian painting looted by Nazi Germany in 1940 found in Japan https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2023/07/3e05d6489fed-italian-painting-looted-by-nazi-germany-in-1940-found-in-japan.html
Japan's tallest skyscraper, at 330 meters, completed in Tokyo https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2023/07/5f32fae082bc-japans-tallest-skyscraper-at-330-meters-completed-in-tokyo.html
Here's why Pokemon cards are becoming a target of burglaries in Japan | The Japan Times https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2023/07/05/national/pokemon-cards-burglaries-target/
One Piece original-story stage show, Sanji and Straw Hat restaurants open at Universal Studios | SoraNews24 -Japan News- https://soranews24.com/2023/07/07/one-piece-original-story-stage-show-sanji-and-straw-hat-restaurants-open-at-universal-studios/
River in Japan’s Nara Prefecture suddenly turns fluorescent green【Videos】 | SoraNews24 -Japan News- https://soranews24.com/2023/07/06/river-in-japans-nara-prefecture-suddenly-turns-fluorescent-green%e3%80%90videos%e3%80%91/
Domino’s Japan pushes pickle love to the limit with new Pickles Pizza | SoraNews24 -Japan News- https://soranews24.com/2023/07/05/dominos-japan-pushes-pickle-love-to-the-limit-with-new-pickles-pizza
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58 min
July 02, 2023 Is Japan Planning on Ending the JET Programme? | STJ 203
This week, Mitch and not Natsuki talk about how Japan sends a man to tell women how to do their job, how Japan's government might be replacing ALTs, a misunderstanding that caused panic in a Tokyo train, an actress who made an AI generated swimsuit book, and more!

Support us on patreon: https://www.patreon.com/smalltalkjapan

Articles from this week's episode
Chinese public sees Japan, U.S. as least trustworthy: survey https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2023/06/0721714d25a5-chinese-public-sees-japan-us-as-least-trustworthy-survey.html
Japan to issue new banknotes in July 2024, 1st renewal in 20 yrs https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2023/06/aa53792b4377-japan-to-issue-new-banknotes-in-july-2024-1st-renewal-in-20-yrs.html
Dollar hits 7.5-month high above 145 yen, sparks intervention concern https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2023/06/1c6bff8c07be-breaking-news-us-dollar-climbs-above-145-yen-highest-level-in-75-months.html
Tokyo begins online English lessons at public high schools | The Asahi Shimbun: Breaking News, Japan News and Analysis https://www.asahi.com/sp/ajw/articles/14943573
Mainichi reporting confirms frequent US military chopper flights around Tokyo Skytree - The Mainichi https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20230629/p2a/00m/0na/005000c
Central Japan city apologizes for mishandling long-term resident's welfare application - The Mainichi https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20230623/p2a/00m/0na/034000c
Man reportedly brandishes knife inside Tokyo's busy Yamanote line https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2023/06/0dafb218c2c4-man-reportedly-brandishes-knife-inside-tokyos-busy-yamanote-line.html
Japan moving company apologizes after video of worker tied naked goes viral - The Mainichi https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20230624/p2a/00m/0na/002000c
Japanese swimsuit model/former adult actress releases AI-generated photo album of herself | SoraNews24 -Japan News- https://soranews24.com/2023/07/01/japanese-swimsuit-model-former-adult-actress-releases-ai-generated-photo-album-of-herself/
A friendly reminder not to accidentally get squid sperm in your mouth, it hurts | SoraNews24 -Japan News- https://soranews24.com/2023/06/24/a-friendly-reminder-not-to-accidentally-get-squid-sperm-in-your-mouth-it-hurts
G7 ministers in Japan call for eliminating economic gender disparity | The Japan Times https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2023/06/25/national/g7-gender-meet

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56 min
June 24, 2023 Nissan Conspiracy Ends in Billion Dollar Lawsuit | STJ 202
This week, Mitch and Ricky talk about a giant crane game, a million dollar lawsuit against sushi terrorist, a billion dollar lawsuit against Nissan for conspiracy, and several times Japan's government has commited questionable acts recently!

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Articles from this week's episode
Japan to regulate smartphone app stores to end Apple-Google duopoly https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2023/06/ad0a21933c10-japan-to-regulate-smartphone-app-stores-to-end-apple-google-duopoly.html
Passive smoking on apartment balconies in Japan causing a stink - The Mainichi https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20230616/p2a/00m/0na/004000c
Japan assembly speaker convicted of assault intends to stay on as legislator - The Mainichi https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20230621/p2a/00m/0na/013000c
Carlos Ghosn is suing Nissan Motor for over $1 billion | Fortune https://fortune.com/2023/06/20/carlos-ghosn-suing-nissan-motor-1-billion-firing-causing-deep-damage-finances-reputation/
Some deceived into having sterilization surgery: Japan parliament report https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2023/06/026b21bb812b-some-deceived-into-having-sterilization-surgery-japan-diet-report.html
BLOG BIZ: Thoughts about the future of Debito.org: What’s next? | debito.org https://www.debito.org/?p=17262
Japan likely to see hotter summer than usual due to 'super El Nino' | The Japan Times https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2023/06/21/national/el-nino-hotter-summer/
Giant 'mega crane' games with huge prizes popular at Japan arcades - The Mainichi https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20230614/p2a/00m/0et/030000c
Teen sushi terrorist’s Sushiro lawsuit could go up to 160 million yen | SoraNews24 -Japan News- https://soranews24.com/2023/06/21/teen-sushi-terrorists-sushiro-lawsuit-could-go-up-to-160-million-yen

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56 min
June 18, 2023 The Best Part of Japanese Baseball | STJ 201
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Articles from this week's episode
Vietnamese in Tokyo arrested over illegal haircuts to thousands https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2023/06/b05dc4fef6ee-vietnamese-in-tokyo-arrested-over-illegal-haircuts-to-thousands.html
Japan allocates US$25 billion to reverse birthrate decline - UCA News https://www.ucanews.com/news/japan-allocates-us25-billion-to-reverse-birthrate-decline/101670
Investors are putting big money into Japan again. Here’s why. | The Japan Times https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2023/06/15/business/why-big-investment-return-japan/
Speed demons: the 'uriko' beer vendors of Japanese baseball | The Japan Times https://www.japantimes.co.jp/sports/2023/06/13/baseball/japanese-baseball/beer-girls-uriko-tokyo-dome/
Save game history: Japan preserves its cartridge-bound treasures - Nikkei Asia https://asia.nikkei.com/Business/Media-Entertainment/Save-game-history-Japan-preserves-its-cartridge-bound-treasures
Recruit fatally shoots 2 SDF instructors, hurts 1 at Japan gun range https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2023/06/b1d75b753b50-urgent-several-injured-after-gun-fired-at-sdf-range-in-central-japan.html
Two planes bump into each other on Haneda Airport runway | The Asahi Shimbun: Breaking News, Japan News and Analysis https://www.asahi.com/ajw/articles/14929720
Japan seeks local tourism shake-up as demand exposes staff shortages https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2023/06/e3b4fca41854-japan-seeks-local-tourism-shake-up-as-demand-exposes-staff-shortages.html
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46 min
June 09, 2023 Is IN-N OUT Coming to Japan? | STJ 200
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Articles from this week's episode
2 dead, 35 injured after heavy rain pounds Japan https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2023/06/1b20a1bddb73-bullet-train-services-to-resume-between-tokyo-and-osaka-around-noon.html
Japan seeks over 30% of female executives in key firms by 2030 https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2023/06/2776091373c0-japan-seeks-over-30-of-female-executives-in-key-firms-by-2030.html
Wrong bank account linked to numerous ‘My Number’ cards | The Asahi Shimbun: Breaking News, Japan News and Analysis https://www.asahi.com/ajw/articles/14926142
Tokyo stocks end at 33-yr highs on U.S. share surge, robust jobs data https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2023/06/598d1925c062-nikkei-tops-32000-mark-to-new-33-year-high-on-wall-st-surge.html
‘T-Rex races’ becoming a roaring success around Japan | The Asahi Shimbun: Breaking News, Japan News and Analysis https://www.asahi.com/ajw/articles/14914325
Japan to offer permanent residency for 4th-generation descendants https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2023/06/968c4bf796d6-japan-to-offer-permanent-residency-for-4th-generation-descendants.html
‘Mud Olympics’ returns to Saga Prefecture after 4-year absence | The Asahi Shimbun: Breaking News, Japan News and Analysis https://www.asahi.com/ajw/articles/14925450
'Frog-ization' top buzzword among Japanese Gen Z: survey - The Mainichi https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20230607/p2a/00m/0na/010000c
Twitter https://twitter.com/streetfighterja/status/1664451771228381189?s=46&t=OcXh3RO4TmA0E-R71388kg
Urine-soaked loot – Police in Sapporo looking for serial urinal grate thief | SoraNews24 Japan News https://soranews24.com/2023/06/07/urine-soaked-loot-police-in-sapporo-looking-for-serial-urinal-grate-thief
California’s In-N-Out Burger opening popup restaurant in downtown Tokyo | SoraNews24 Japan News https://soranews24.com/2023/06/07/californias-in-n-out-burger-opening-popup-restaurant-in-downtown-tokyo/
Japanese schoolgirl talks foreigner out of suicide attempt on her way to class【Video】 | SoraNews24 Japan News
https://soranews24.com/2023/06/05/japanese-schoolgirl-talks-foreigner-out-of-suicide-attempt-on-her-way-to-class%e3%80%90video%e3%80%91/
https://youtu.be/HNMSd77KFNE

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55 min
June 03, 2023 Japan Court Rules in Favor of Same Sex Marriage | STJ 199
This week, Mitch and Natsuki are joined by special guest from Natsuki's past to talk about life in America vs Japan, as well as talk about the news this week in Japan!

Articles from this week's episode
Women in Japan say biggest cause of low birth rate is high cost of child care: survey - The Mainichi https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20230525/p2a/00m/0na/010000c
Baby boomtown: does Nagi hold the secret to repopulating Japan? | Japan | The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/may/29/baby-boomtown-does-nagi-hold-the-secret-to-repopulating-japan
Japan court rules disallowing same-sex marriage is unconstitutional https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2023/05/74a20340d484-breaking-news-court-rules-not-recognizing-same-sex-marriage-as-unconstitutional.html
Japan aims to halve pollen emissions in 30 years to tackle hay fever https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2023/05/4bca5537822c-japan-aims-to-halve-pollen-emissions-in-30-years-to-tackle-hay-fever.html
Kishida eyes Japan's child care budget boost of about 3.5 tril. yen https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2023/05/c02f8a20abbd-kishida-eyes-japans-child-care-budget-boost-of-about-35-tril-yen.html
Japan PM Kishida sacks son as executive secretary amid criticism https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2023/05/737ffea2ae80-urgent-kishidas-son-to-step-down-as-executive-secretary-to-pm-govt.html
Foreigner hotel stays in Japan top 10 mil. for 1st time in 3 years https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2023/05/9f77ed09dcfd-foreign-hotel-guests-in-japan-top-10-mil-for-1st-time-in-3-yrs.html
Tokyo seeks measures to stop out-of-town billboard trucks | The Asahi Shimbun: Breaking News, Japan News and Analysis https://www.asahi.com/ajw/articles/14907752
Photograph : Thrill Ride: Stripper Mobile - https://m.lasvegassun.com/photos/2011/jun/13/120813/
Japanese government promises, for real this time, that expressways will be free by the year 2115 | SoraNews24 -Japan News- https://soranews24.com/2023/06/02/japanese-government-promises-for-real-this-time-that-expressways-will-be-free-by-the-year-2115/
“Horse Feces Cafe” opens in Tokyo, looks stylish and delicious【Photos】 | SoraNews24 Japan News https://soranews24.com/2023/06/01/horse-feces-cafe-opens-in-tokyo-looks-stylish-and-delicious%e3%80%90photos%e3%80%91/
Fans in Japan don’t sound happy with Netflix’s One Piece live-action changes to the Going Merry | SoraNews24 Japan News https://soranews24.com/2023/05/30/fans-in-japan-dont-sound-happy-with-netflixs-one-piece-live-action-changes-to-the-going-merry/
Japan to boost child care spending to match Sweden - The Mainichi https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20230601/p2g/00m/0na/049000c

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1 hr 1 min
May 27, 2023 Japan's Second 'Bubble Era' On the Way? with Guests! | STJ 198
This week, Mitch and Alex are joined by two special guests as they talk about the good, the bad, and the strange parts of Japan!

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Articles from this week's episode
Japan's Nikkei powers to 1990 'bubble' era high | Reuters https://www.reuters.com/markets/asia/japans-nikkei-powers-1990-bubble-era-high-2023-05-19/
https://www.reddit.com/r/japannews/comments/13qaj3n/human_body_found_in_the_stomach_of_a_brown_bear/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=ios_app&utm_name=ioscss&utm_content=1&utm_term=1
City legislator's son detained over 4 deaths in Japan's Nagano https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2023/05/bb60dd965e2c-urgent-man-with-hunting-rifle-on-run-in-central-japan-4-injured.html
Older men with no sexual interest in women at risk of earlier death | The Asahi Shimbun: Breaking News, Japan News and Analysis https://www.asahi.com/ajw/articles/14870440
Student obsessed with strange road signs turns corner on hobby | The Asahi Shimbun: Breaking News, Japan News and Analysis https://www.asahi.com/ajw/articles/14894855
Japanese mom’s beautiful Legend of Zelda character bento brings tears (of the Kingdom) to our eyes | SoraNews24 Japan News https://soranews24.com/2023/05/19/japanese-moms-beautiful-legend-of-zelda-character-bento-brings-tears-of-the-kingdom-to-our-eyes

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1 hr 12 min

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This is a weekly English podcast about all things Japan! If you want to learn English or about Japanese culture, news life, and other fun things, give us a listen.